Maple Glazed Chicken with Roasted Butternut Squash

Introduction:Chicken with Roasted

Embrace the flavors of fall with this delectable maple glazed chicken and roasted butternut squash recipe. This dish combines the savory goodness of perfectly seared chicken with the sweet and nutty notes of roasted butternut squash, all brought together by a luscious maple glaze. It’s a simple yet elegant meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way it elevates everyday ingredients into something truly special. The maple glaze, with its warm, inviting aroma, perfectly complements the chicken, while the roasted butternut squash adds a touch of sweetness and earthiness that is characteristic of autumn. This maple glazed chicken and roasted butternut squash is more than just a meal; it’s an experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is designed to be accessible and enjoyable. The instructions are clear and concise, and the ingredients are readily available. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and let’s create a culinary masterpiece that will impress your family and friends. This healthy dinner option is both satisfying and nutritious, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

Featured Recipe

Maple Glazed Chicken with Roasted Butternut Squash

A flavorful fall-inspired dish combining seared maple-glazed chicken with roasted butternut squash. This easy, nutritious recipe brings together sweet, savory, and earthy flavors for the perfect cozy dinner.

15mPrep Time

35mCook Time

4 servingsServings

500Calories

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

2 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)

1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, cubed

2 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)

1 tbsp chopped fresh sage (optional)

Instructions

1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and sage. Roast on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and golden.
2
In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3
Pat chicken dry. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked to 165°F (74°C).
4
Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the maple glaze over the chicken and simmer for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the glaze thickens and coats the chicken evenly.
5
Slice the glazed chicken and serve over the roasted butternut squash. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and serve immediately.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a detailed list of all the ingredients you’ll need to create this culinary delight. Don’t be afraid to experiment with substitutions to suit your personal preferences and dietary needs.

For the Maple Glazed Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
1/4 cup pure maple syrup (the real stuff makes a difference!)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish (optional)

For the Roasted Butternut Squash:

1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage (optional, for an earthy note)

Substitution Suggestions:

Chicken: You can substitute chicken thighs for the breasts if you prefer a richer flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Maple Syrup: If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, you can use honey or agave nectar as a substitute, although the flavor will be slightly different.
Butternut Squash: Acorn squash or sweet potatoes can be used as substitutes for butternut squash. The cooking time will be similar.
Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices in the glaze or on the squash. Ginger, nutmeg, or chili powder can add a unique twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own maple glazed chicken and roasted butternut squash masterpiece. Remember to read through the entire recipe before you begin, and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure about anything.

1. Prepare the Butternut Squash:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, cinnamon (if using), and sage (if using). Make sure the squash is evenly coated.
Spread the squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the squash instead of roasting it.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender and lightly browned, flipping halfway through.

2. Prepare the Maple Glaze:

While the squash is roasting, prepare the maple glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.

3. Sear the Chicken:

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This will help them to brown properly.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken.
Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches.
Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

4. Glaze the Chicken:

Once the chicken is seared, reduce the heat to medium-low.
Pour the maple glaze over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Let the chicken simmer in the glaze for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the glaze has thickened and the chicken is cooked through. The glaze should be sticky and caramelized.

5. Assemble and Serve:

Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Divide the roasted butternut squash among plates.
Slice the maple glazed chicken breasts and arrange them on top of the butternut squash.
Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious fall recipes creation!

Tips and Variations

Here are some helpful tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:

Marinate the Chicken: For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken in the maple glaze for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken and make it even more tender and juicy.
Add Spices to the Glaze: Experiment with different spices in the maple glaze. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add a touch of heat, while ground ginger or cinnamon can enhance the warm, autumnal flavors.
Use Different Types of Squash: Don’t limit yourself to butternut squash! Acorn squash, delicata squash, or even sweet potatoes can be used as substitutes. Each type of squash will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the dish.
Add Vegetables to the Roasted Squash: Roast other vegetables alongside the butternut squash, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or onions. This will add more nutrients and flavor to the dish.
Make it a Sheet Pan Dinner: Toss the chicken and butternut squash together on a sheet pan and roast them together for an even easier cleanup. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Dietary Considerations: For a gluten-free meal, ensure your Dijon mustard is gluten-free. This recipe is naturally dairy-free. To make it vegan, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use a vegan-friendly maple syrup alternative if needed.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butternut squash before roasting for a little kick.

Data Table

Here’s a table providing estimated nutritional information per serving. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (Approximate)	% Daily Value (Approximate)
Calories	450-550	N/A
Protein	40-50g	80-100%
Fat	15-25g	23-38%
Saturated Fat	3-5g	15-25%
Cholesterol	100-120mg	33-40%
Sodium	300-400mg	13-17%
Carbohydrates	40-50g	13-17%
Fiber	5-7g	20-28%
Sugar	20-30g	N/A
Vitamin A	Varies	Varies
Vitamin C	Varies	Varies
Iron	Varies	Varies
Calcium	Varies	Varies

Key Benefits

This maple glazed chicken with roasted butternut squash offers a multitude of benefits:

Provides a balanced meal with protein and vegetables: This dish is a complete and nutritious meal, providing a good source of protein from the chicken and essential vitamins and minerals from the butternut squash.
Easy to customize to individual tastes and dietary needs: As mentioned earlier, this recipe is highly customizable. You can easily adapt it to suit your personal preferences and dietary restrictions.
Highlights seasonal ingredients for a fresh and flavorful experience: By using seasonal ingredients like butternut squash, you’re ensuring that you’re getting the freshest and most flavorful produce possible. This also supports local farmers and reduces your carbon footprint.
It’s Comfort Food, Elevated: This dish offers the comforting flavors we crave in the fall, but with a sophisticated twist that makes it perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.

For more amazing recipes, be sure to check out our other sections to explore a variety of ideas that will enrich your cooking experience. Each section offers its own unique flavors to ensure a delightful culinary journey:

Easy and Quick Recipes: A collection of dishes that guarantee delicious meals with minimal effort and time.
Healthy Recipes: Discover healthy and delicious options that fit your lifestyle.
Desserts: A diverse selection of sweets that will add a special touch of sweetness to your table.
Lunch Recipes: Tasty lunch ideas that you can easily prepare to delight your family.
Dinner Recipes: Delicious and easy-to-make recipes that will make your dinner a memorable occasion.

Professional Tips

Elevate your cooking game with these professional tips:

Marinate the chicken in the maple glaze for at least 30 minutes for enhanced flavor: This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when roasting the butternut squash to ensure even browning: Overcrowding the pan will steam the squash instead of roasting it, resulting in a less desirable texture.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature: This is the best way to ensure that your chicken is cooked through and safe to eat. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Rest the chicken before slicing: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
Use a high-quality maple syrup: The quality of the maple syrup will significantly impact the flavor of the glaze. Opt for pure maple syrup for the best results.

Conclusion

This maple glazed chicken with roasted butternut squash is a delightful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for embracing the flavors of autumn. With its simple ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and customizable options, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will impress your family and friends.

Actionable Next Steps:

Gather your ingredients: Make a list and head to the grocery store or farmers market.
Preheat your oven: Get ready to roast that butternut squash to perfection.
Share your creation: Take a picture of your finished dish and share it with your friends and family. Tag us in your photos – we’d love to see your culinary creations! #MapleGlazedChicken #RoastedButternutSquash #FallRecipes #HealthyDinner #EasyChickenDinner
Experiment and have fun: Don’t be afraid to try different variations and make this recipe your own. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and create something delicious that you’re proud of.

Happy cooking!